The Palms Phillip Island — Restaurant in Victoria

Hmm.. How to begin. I don't write a lot of restaurant reviews but for 2019 i'll make more of a habit.

Wanted to try The Palms as I wanted a quiet atmosphere where people can actually speak to each other. Mostly in Cowes, that is impossible.

Anyway, booked dinner with friends. Seated outside which was nice.

Service was fine. Friendly and accommodating staff. No issue from that aspect.

We ordered some Tapas to share and mains.

The Tapas probably should be avoided if you are hungry. It's a miniscule serve (2 tiny spring rolls or 2 tiny pieces of pork). The most tasty Tapas were the Chorizo and scallop skewers. The Tapas are way overpriced for what is provided (picture is a $30 plate). Presentation was fine.

Main course was the eye fillet with scalloped potatoes. Other selections ordered were the fish and chips. All were ok. Fish was cooked well and crispy. The chips were rather limp. The steak was reasonable quality but overcooked (we ordered medium rare and we got at a medium or just over that). Due to other issues which will be described below the was no point in complaining. The potatoes were tasty but a bit more sauce would have been nice.

Drinks were fine. Price for mains ranged from $28-38. Tapas was 5 for $30 or sold individually.

The biggest problem is the amount of time we waited for the Tapas and then the mains. It was close to 45 minutes to get the Tapas and then another 30 minutes (probably close to 40) to get mains. No explanation was made as to the delays. The restaurant had about 3-4 groups including us. So not even close to full yet the time to get served was astonishing. Can't imagine what would happen if there were more patrons. Hint. Don't book if you are planning on a quick dinner.

Overall, the food probably saved the situation but just. There was nothing exceptional but also no disasters. I asked the group afterwards whether they would go back. No one said they would rush back other than for the quiet atmosphere. The overall score out of 5 was an average of everyone. 3 is...

Fantastic relaxing atmosphere. We were a table of 7A, 1C. We were a late notice booking. Tonight was a busy night for the small service team so the wait was abit long but it was all handled very well. The team were all very friendly & attentive. Drinks were ordered 1st & came out quickly. Entrees & mains ordered next. Garlic bread came out in a fashionable time frame as did the child's meal (pita bread pizza, chips & salad) Garlic bread was so flavourful, buttery & crispy! 6 pieces to a bowl. Child inhaled her meal in a timely manner & was very well enjoyed! (Salad was the only thing handed to mum) Child's dessert was 2 scoops vanilla ice cream with chocolate topping. Adults ordered: 2 chicken parmas, 2 Angus eye fillet steaks, 1 seafood linguine & 1 chicken schnitzel. All plates were cleaned!! I had the linguine. The seafood was fresh & cooked perfectly! The pasta was abit over cooked & I would have liked a touch more black pepper & maybe a little parmesan however, it was still very enjoyable! My husband had the schnitzel. It was thick, hot, cooked perfectly & juicy! The garlic butter it was served with had a great garlic flavour. The chips were very fresh. The steaks all looked delicious & cooked perfectly! Watching other meals brought out, the fish & chips looked amazing & fresh! Also saw a seafood platter for 2 come out & it all looked so fresh & delicious! The prices were very reasonable & for the quality probably one of the cheapest around! (Bill splitting available so great for groups!) We will return for sure! Thank you to Tim from dirty dog outlaw for the referral, giving us a delicious...

Do yourself a favour...... Order the STEAK!!! First time dining, was recommended to try if you love a good steak. OMFG a good steak isn’t the right words. I ordered the porterhouse well done (yes well done) this succulent well done steak came out and it was the most tender well done steak I’ve ever tasted in my life. Along with scallop potatoes and spinach, the plate was certainly full of sensational flavour. My partner ordered a medium eye fillet with red wine jus and become full so I squeezed that in too. If you’re after a good portion and good flavour I cannot highly recommended this place enough. Booking the table was as simple as picking up the phone, the table service was warm, relaxed and inviting. I’m definitely going back there next time I’m on the island, which is regular. Thank you again The Palms for a surprising dining experience. MattyC (rolling home I’m so full, no...